Evaluation of the potential predictors of embolism in patients with left atrial myxoma

Macit Kalçık, Emrah Bayam, Ahmet Güner, Ayhan Küp, Semih Kalkan, Mahmut Yesin, Mustafa O. Gürsoy, Sabahattin Gündüz, Süleyman Karakoyun, Mehmet Özkan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary intracardiac tumors. Although myxomas are histologically benign, they are potentially dangerous due to potential risk of systemic and cerebral embolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential predictors of embolism in patients with left atrial myxoma. Methods: This single-center retrospective study enrolled 93 patients (mean age: 52.9 ± 15.3 years, female: 70 [75.3%]) with left atrial myxomas between 2014 and 2018. The patients were classified into two groups (embolic vs nonembolic) to investigate possible predictors of embolism. Demographic, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were recorded into a dataset and compared between patients with and without embolism. Results: The study population was composed of 13 (14%) patients in embolic (11 cerebrovascular and 2 peripheral) and 80 (86%) patients in nonembolic group. Demographic and laboratory parameters were similar between the groups. Tumor sizes were significantly higher in the embolic group than in the nonembolic group (5.59 ± 1.08 vs 4.29 ± 0.61; P = 0.001). By multivariate analysis, increased tumor size, increased left atrial diameter, and the presence of atrial fibrillation and irregular tumor surface were identified as independent predictors of embolism. In ROC curve analyses, tumor size above 4.6 cm predicted embolism with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 73% (AUC: 0.858; 95% CI: 0.752–0.964; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of atrial fibrillation, irregular tumor surface, increased tumor size, and increased left atrial diameter is associated with increased risk of embolism in patients with left atrial myxoma. Early surgery should be scheduled for such patients due to increased potential for embolism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)837-843
Number of pages7
JournalEchocardiography
Volume36
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cardiac imaging
  • cardiac surgery
  • echocardiography
  • embolism
  • left atrial myxoma
  • transesophageal echocardiography

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